- His father was Augustine Joseph Bagavathor, a well-known Malayalam classical musician and stage actor of his time. Yesudas' first Guru was his beloved father himself, who lovingly and painstakingly led him through the basic precepts of Carnatic Music while he was hardly five years old
- One of the greatest South Indian musicians of all times. He is one of India's foremost exponents of classical carnatic vocal music and leading playback singer. Yesudas has sung more than 30,000 songs for thousands of Indian films in various languages.
- Recipient of the Padmabhushan Award from the President of India. In 1973 the President conferred on him the title of Padmashree on the advice of the Prime Minister on Republic Day.
- Has three sons, Vinod, Vijay (who is following in his father's footsteps), and Vishal.
- Uncle of fashion designer Anand Jon.
- The family is currently settled in Madras, India and visit Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA time and again for business reasons. (2005)
- Adelaide CBD, South Australia (August 2012)
- K. J. Yesudas was given a big break in the film ''Kathalikka Neramillai'' in 1964 by Vishwanathan and Ramammoorthy. Later Ramamoorthy used him for the hit song ''Vasantha Kalam Varumo'' in the film ''Marakka Mudiyuma'' in 1965.But Viswanathan started working with him again only in 1973 after a long gap at the insistence of M. G. Ramachandran in the film 'Ulagam Sutrum Valiban'. Yesudas then continued to be voice of M.G. Ramachandran in many films like in Nalai Namathe, Urmaikural, Sirithu Vazha Vendum etc., in Viswanathan's music.
- Has sung in 18 different Indian Languages.
- Has won the national award for best male playback singer a record 8 times.
- He is regarded as Gaangadharvan (meaning the celestial singer).
- In 2009 Yesudas began a cross-country musical campaign against terrorism in Thiruvananthapuram, with the motto 'Music For Peace'.
- In 2022 it was stated that Yesudas has recorded over 50,000 songs and that he has won scores of accolades including the coveted Padma Shri (1975), Padma Bhushan (2002), and Padma Vibhushan (2017).
- On 2 October 2014, Yesudas sparked a row while speaking at a public function on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, where he stated that "Women should not wear dress that trouble others. You should dress modestly and do not behave like men". This resulted in a number of protests from Women's Rights and Political organizations, who asked him to withdraw the comment.
- The blind musical director, composer, lyricist and playback singer Ravindra Jain, confessed in an interview that if ever he happened to regain vision, the first person he would like to see would be Yesudas.
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